[This interview first appeared in Issue 5 of The Fluevog Post (Fall/Winter 2015)]
Maddy Fletcher, Fluevog Ottawa Manager
Years with Fluevog:
Since the Ottawa store opened on Canada Day (July 1) in 2014
Where are you from?
Ottawa born and raised! My parents are from a small town in The Thousand Islands called Gananoque, and they moved here in the early 80s.
What are your favourite fall shoes for men and women?
Mens: The Ronald. I’m an outdoorsy, rugged kinda gal and they’re a pair of boots you could do anything in.
Womens: The Cheryl! I have a big soft spot for 70s fashion and I love the Cuban heel and riding boot throwback feel of the shoe.
Best part about meeting old school Fluevogers:
They are so passionate about the shoes. Their instant familiarity with the brand makes us fast friends, which I think is great in the sense that we’re all unique.
What were your first pair of Fluevogs?
The Nunis – now very well loved.
Ottawa favourites for:
Coffee: Bridgehead Coffee. (My mum is also a part owner, so you could say I’m a little biased.)
Lunch: King Eddy for burgers, shakes & craft beer.
Music venue: The Rainbow is a great spot for music – I saw PleasureCraft there and they were phenomenal.
Something that would surprise people about ByWard Market:
The buskers here are top quality.
Something that would surprise people about Ottawa:
A lot of people find Ottawa to be uptight and complacent. In reality it’s a city full of passionate people who are crazy for sports, turn out to protests every week in the thousands, and have carved out a cool art and fashion scene. It’s a feisty little city if you know where to look.
Something that would surprise people about you:
I spent 10 years working in the forestry industry in BC and am licensed to teach chain saw operations (I think that’s probably how I got the job).
What did you learn from tree planting that applies to Fluevog?
You really learn how to chit chat and quickly get around small talk while living in the woods. At Fluevog, we’re meeting different people all the time so I always try and get to know customers quickly instead of just trying to sell people stuff.
Favourite part of working for Fluevog?
I’ve never once had to apologize for being myself.
Top three next travel destinations?
Hike across the UK, cycle the Ring Road of Iceland, & visit Northern Canada.
First date shoes?
The Prince Georges, just to let them know that I’m a little crazy from the get go.
